Balaju

Introducing Balaju

The industrial centre of Balaju is less than 3km north of Thamel, just beyond the Ring Rd, but the capital has virtually swallowed up this nearby suburb. The only reasons to come here are to see the sleeping Vishnu image in Mahendra Park or hike in the nearby Nagarjun Forest Reserve.

The 18th-century gardens at Balaju, now known as Mahendra Park (admission Rs 5; 7am-7pm), are somewhat of a disappointment - there's a lot of concrete and litter. Most interesting are the statues in the right-hand corner as you enter the park. The famous Balaju Vishnu image is said to be a copy of the older image at Budhanilkantha.

Apart from the Vishnu image, there are a couple of small temples, an interesting group of chörtens (Tibetan Buddhist stupas) and lingams. The 19th-century Shitala Mai Temple stands in front of the Vishnu image. The 22 painted waterspouts from which the park takes its local name, Bais Dhara Balaju, are in the centre of the park.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009